Need college planning tips from the Pros

[SEA333]

I know how hard it is to pay for college. However, I just don't understand why, if it is so important to you that your son attend his dream college, that you are just now considering how you are going to pay? The budget suggested for the University of Michigan for an out of state student is over $53,000 a year for freshmen/sophomores! It goes up for the last two years.

You really should start discussions with your son that he needs to consider an in state school, public university (many of the in state schools you mentioned are private, $$$).

Ummm, again, NOT *just starting to consider* how much we are going to pay. I will give you that I have just started asking ON THIS BOARD for tips and tricks, but as stated before, we have a college fund, but three kids to put through college, so if we can get scholarships, grants, help, etc in any way, I was looking for help from people who have been there, done that already and can offer suggestions that I May Not Have Thought Of Yet.

Obviously, again, as I have stated, nothing is set in stone, and yes I did Off Of The Top Of My Head, name colleges NEAR US that happen to be private, and of course every parent would like for their child to go to the child's top choice, but we are open to everything and are still Considering All Of Our Options.

I'm really, really trying to NOT get an attitude with you on this, but you are making it very difficult! LOL Thank you for giving me good some advice that I will take with me while I *CONTINUE* to do my homework on this subject, but seriously - I can do without the judgement and condemnation. Good Grief.

 

[lisaross]

OP i am in the same boat. My son is starting HS in September. He is in honors in middle school and will be in HS. I realize things can change...also besides thinking about scholarships i would also start thinking about financial aid. I have heard earning 100,000 a year you can qualify - depends on savings accounts as well - are you maxing out your 401 etc?

I have two kids 2 years apart - so while i am saving i am trying to save MORE!

I am advising my kids to attend an instate school - i think its crazy coming out of school with 100,000 in loans.

 

[SEA333]

OP i am in the same boat. My son is starting HS in September. He is in honors in middle school and will be in HS. I realize things can change...also besides thinking about scholarships i would also start thinking about financial aid. I have heard earning 100,000 a year you can qualify - depends on savings accounts as well - are you maxing out your 401 etc?

I have two kids 2 years apart - so while i am saving i am trying to save MORE!

I am advising my kids to attend an instate school - i think its crazy coming out of school with 100,000 in loans.

Hi there! It is coming up so fast isn't it??!! It seems like DS was just starting Middle School, and we were talking last night that there are only 11 weeks left in the school year and he will be done with 8th grade!

We are lucky in the way that DS13 is older than DD by 4 years, but the younger two are only 19 months apart, so once DS13 gets through college, we still have two more to put through We have always tried to save as much as we could, but coming from Michigan where we had three small children in 2008 when the economy crashed (Michigan was one of the states hit especially hard), we had to stop saving for a while just to pay our bills when DS was laid off, which means we are now behind on what we thought we would have for each child. We still have a fairly substantial amount, but def not enough to put all three through without some sort of outside help. Added to that, DS13 always thought he would go to UM, but now as an out of state resident, it will be over 35K a year (as a PP quoted and we already knew ) So, unless he gets his dream football scholarship (haha), he will either have to choose another university/college, or we will have to see what his options are with moving back to Michigan, going to comminuty college for a year and reinstating residency. I know there are all kinds of issues with that, so we will see what happens.

I am so happy with so much of the great advice in this thread though! I used to work with a woman who has college age daughters, and she used to give me all of the ins and outs of all of this...I miss her!!! LOL

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

No one is judging you, just offering advice which you asked for. I've definitely been there, done that; my husband and I have paid for two undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees for ourselves and two undergraduate degrees, one graduate degree and one law degree for children, so I do have some experience. We have a 529 plan already in place for our grandchild.

You just need to be realistic about financing. Even the very top students rarely get academic scholarships which amount to much and sports scholarships are a pipe dream. It's much more realistic, if you cannot afford an out of state school or private university or college, to aim for a state public school and start with community college. You can get a fine education that way. Save the name schools for graduate school, where the name counts for a lot more.

It's a very good idea to start talking with your children at a young age about college and letting them know what you can afford, rather than encouraging them to dream for a school you cannot afford.

 

[SEA333]

No one is judging you, just offering advice which you asked for. I've definitely been there, done that; my husband and I have paid for two undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees for ourselves and two undergraduate degrees, one graduate degree and one law degree for children, so I do have some experience. We have a 529 plan already in place for our grandchild.

You just need to be realistic about financing. Even the very top students rarely get academic scholarships which amount to much and sports scholarships are a pipe dream. It's much more realistic, if you cannot afford an out of state school or private university or college, to aim for a state public school and start with community college. You can get a fine education that way. Save the name schools for graduate school, where the name counts for a lot more.

It's a very good idea to start talking with your children at a young age about college and letting them know what you can afford, rather than encouraging them to dream for a school you cannot afford.

Great! Thanks! We *do* seem to be on the same page, then.

Thank you for your advice. No matter what, I think I will *keep* encouraging him to aim high....he needs something to keep him motivated, while at the same time pursuing realistic choices. We have always explained to him that we have the three of them to split this college savings between, and their jobs as a student is to do the best they can so they can (potentially) help with costs if and when they are accepted to the schools they would like to attend. We will see what comes from it. I do like the idea of higher name schools for Grad school...

 

[scrapquitler]

Great! Thanks! We *do* seem to be on the same page, then.

Thank you for your advice. No matter what, I think I will *keep* encouraging him to aim high....he needs something to keep him motivated, while at the same time pursuing realistic choices. We have always explained to him that we have the three of them to split this college savings between, and their jobs as a student is to do the best they can so they can (potentially) help with costs if and when they are accepted to the schools they would like to attend. We will see what comes from it. I do like the idea of higher name schools for Grad school...

Agree with this. Also, keep in mind that most states have state universities other than the 'flagship' school, which might be more prone to offering merit aid to a student who is a good, solid student but not at the very top of the class. This is the situation my DD is in. She really wanted to go to our state's flagship school, but is just out of the top 10% of her class and didn't get a merit scholarship to the flagship school. However, one of the other stat universities has offered her a spot in their honors college with a full tuition scholarship. So she is going to a 'lower tier' school but on a full scholarship. Since she is likely majoring in something that will require a masters degree, we figure it's a great opportunity for her to go for her undergrad with NO debt, and then she can focus on going to a 'big name' school for her graduate degree. She is less than thrilled that she's not going to a top tier school, but we have to live in reality and deal with the financial facts of life.

Another (non-financial) suggestion that I would make for you is this: start a notebook or a file somewhere with a list of every award, every activity, every community service project, every church related activitey, etc. that your child participates in. Take notes of what he/she did, contact info for the person leading the activity, the dates, etc. Also jot down a short of summary of the things involved in the activity. Keep copies of any certificates in there as well. It will help tremendously when you start to build your resume for college applications and scholarship applications if you have all that information down on paper.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I've been teaching high school seniors for 23 years, so I know college stuff. I'd say these should be your priorities:

Freshman year: Focus on a good transition from middle school, time management skills, and study habits. Be aware that high school is not the same as middle school, and many students who used to be honors students end up dropping to general classes, while the late bloomers suddenly move up to honors classes. Attend the school's welcome events, and be sure to meet his guidance counselor. Pay attention to all your options: Online classes, dual enrollment at community college, etc.

Talk about the importance of good grades. Talk about what you are willing and able to pay. Look at your school or county's website and see what type of scholarships are available (too early to apply, but look).

Push him to become involved in clubs or athletics, and aim for some leadership opportunities. Since he's interested in military, definitely have him enroll in JROTC.

Sophomore year: Stay the course. Continue to talk about what you can pay. Begin talking about big schools vs, little schools, close to home vs. far, etc. Expect him to take the PSAT.

Junior year: Visit schools. Often they aren't what you expect once you actually visit. Apply to the dream school, several realistic schools, and the safety net school. Take the SAT as soon as he's finished Algebra 2, the highest math tested. Begin to read seriously about scholarships.

Senior year: In August he should have identified the 3-5 schools to which he wants to apply. He should have his SAT and other items ready to go. Revisit the top choices. College applications are available online on September 1st, and applying early wise. In general, big scholarships are due November 1 or December 1, while smaller scholarship applications run all year long. Keep all scholarship essays online; often they can be tweaked for other scholarships. Generally small private schools send out acceptance letters early, while the big state schools everyone really wants send out letters December - February. You have 'til May 1st to accept, but students who accept earlier get first crack at the better dorms. He will attend registration and orientation around graduation.

How much do most top 10% kids get in scholarships? Sadly, zero. The majority of our students, even those with good grades do not receive anything in scholarship money. Those who receive scholarships tend to be majoring in something related to military, teaching, or nursing. Children of military or police have an advantage. I teach more girls than guys who get sports scholarships (if your kid is destined for a sports scholarship, you will be getting individual attention from colleges by sophmore year). Private schools do give more scholarships, but typically the total price tag remains higher than the state schools.

In my older daughter's graduating class, one kid got a full ride. It was a military scholarship and well deserved. My daughter was the #2 scholarship winner (she has roughly 50% of her college education covered). She had a 4.8 GPA, an extraordinary amount of community service and leadership, she is majoring in nursing, and her essays were genuinely solid gold. I had not realized just what a good writer she is 'till she started writing those essays.

Push the reading and writing. Whether he loves or hates them, he needs them. Limiting all types of screen time can help.

This is a great post! DD14 is a freshman and I will save this post to refer to over the next three years. Thank you!

One specific question (sorry for the mini thread hijack) - DD is taking Algebra 2 now, but we hadn't planned for her to take the SAT until junior year since she will take the PSAT next year. She took the SAT in seventh grade through Duke TIP. Should she take it this year or early next year or wait until junior year? She will continue to take a math each semester, but I know the higher levels will not be on the SAT.

1. DS has placed into all honors/AP classes in core subjects and Spanish. If he continues on this course, what is the average scholarship $$ kids in this range generally get? He probably will not be Valedictorian, but will probably be in the top 10% or so of his class (based on his past and present academic performance).

2. Sports scholarships? DS plays football - unfortunately, his school is not a powerhouse football school in our area, BUT, some of the school he will play are, and there are recruiters and scouts that come out every year to watch the OTHER team play. DS is a pretty decent player and in his youth league for the past 7 years, other coaches notice right away what DS is doing and usually double team him after the first couple plays. It isn't *totally* out of the realm of possibility that a scout there for the other team might notice DS. (again, no delusions here....just considering the possibilities!) Anyone have any experience with this? We are not counting on this as a sure bet by any means, but if it so happens that DS ends up being considered for a sports scholoarship, I would just like to have a basic background of the process.

3. Being realistic and not thinking my kid is the next wonder kid in either of the above areas, there is a very good possibility that neither scenario will materialize, so any thoughts of ways to maximize any scholarship opportunities? DS is in JNHS, volunteers at the library in the summer, holds a (1 day a week) job helping a disabled neighbor with various things around her house, and is mostly interested in science and math. he hates reading and writing. Should be seek other interests/volunteer opportunities in the next couple years?

TIA!

OP, we are just starting our journey as well (not financially, but determining the best course as you are), so my experiences are based more on friends with older kids.

A lot depends on the schools your DS is considering. We have known great student-athletes who have been offered athletic scholarships at smaller Division 1 or Division 2 schools, but not at the top tier schools that their academics support and the schools they are interested in. If he is interested in a big football school like Auburn or Alabama or Michigan, the chances of a scholarship are smaller just because more football players are trying to go there. Doesn't mean it is not possible - it is just harder. He will really need to stand out to go to a bigger school, and hopefully he will.

The same applies to academics. DD is taking her first AP course this semester as a freshman (which seems early to me, but she is doing fine and it is expected for honors students at her school). She is definitely not the only one taking an AP as a freshman, and we know of several seniors who have taken ten AP courses. Even if she takes all honors and AP courses (except for PE and an elective or two), she likely won't be valedictorian even if she makes straight A's. There are many students in her class who are doing the same thing, and some are taking online courses to get further ahead and have to take fewer intro courses (which are weighted less). DD is an athlete and volunteers during the summer, so she will probably not be taking online classes. That will put her behind some of the others. Some of the kids came from a private middle school and have already taken Algebra 2, so she is behind them through no fault of her own. You can only control so much. So will DD get an academic scholarship to Harvard? Probably not. She might get an academic scholarship, but it might not be to her first choice school. We have already seen how competitive the landscape is. We want her to get into her dream school and we are preparing as best we can to be ready financially. Anything else is just icing on the cake.

We have found that there are a lot of smaller scholarships available. DD's school lists several of them on their website, and your DS's guidance counselor will probably know of several.

One thing we consistently hear is to choose clubs or sports that you like and be an active member all four years. Don't join one club your freshman year, switch to another sophomore year, etc. Take on leadership roles and continue to take classes that will require him to work hard.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Another (non-financial) suggestion that I would make for you is this: start a notebook or a file somewhere with a list of every award, every activity, every community service project, every church related activitey, etc. that your child participates in. Take notes of what he/she did, contact info for the person leading the activity, the dates, etc. Also jot down a short of summary of the things involved in the activity. Keep copies of any certificates in there as well. It will help tremendously when you start to build your resume for college applications and scholarship applications if you have all that information down on paper.

We got this advice from the mom of a graduating senior (who did get an athletic scholarship). It is such a great idea to start now than try to remember what they did several summers ago!

 

[wiigirl]

College Confidential has a ton of good information on their website, including a thread listing schools with automatic merit scholarships for kids with the qualifying grades and test scores. I found the information listed there very helpful for my child who entered college this year. Save as much as you can because what you think you can afford and what a college thinks you can afford is very different in many cases ("estimated family contributions" are expected except for the very poor). Run the net price calculators before applying to the schools your son likes and be positive that you have an affordable safety school that your son would be happy to attend in case the costs of the first choice school are too high. Research colleges and costs at least a few years ahead of time so that you have a realistic idea what you can afford and plan your applications accordingly. This is a tougher process than when I went to college in the 80's, so you are very smart to start thinking about college now. Best of luck. Oh, and BTW, see if your state offers any automatic scholarships.

 

[brymolmom]

Agree with this. Also, keep in mind that most states have state universities other than the 'flagship' school, which might be more prone to offering merit aid to a student who is a good, solid student but not at the very top of the class. This is the situation my DD is in. She really wanted to go to our state's flagship school, but is just out of the top 10% of her class and didn't get a merit scholarship to the flagship school. However, one of the other stat universities has offered her a spot in their honors college with a full tuition scholarship. So she is going to a 'lower tier' school but on a full scholarship. Since she is likely majoring in something that will require a masters degree, we figure it's a great opportunity for her to go for her undergrad with NO debt, and then she can focus on going to a 'big name' school for her graduate degree. She is less than thrilled that she's not going to a top tier school, but we have to live in reality and deal with the financial facts of life.

Another (non-financial) suggestion that I would make for you is this: start a notebook or a file somewhere with a list of every award, every activity, every community service project, every church related activitey, etc. that your child participates in. Take notes of what he/she did, contact info for the person leading the activity, the dates, etc. Also jot down a short of summary of the things involved in the activity. Keep copies of any certificates in there as well. It will help tremendously when you start to build your resume for college applications and scholarship applications if you have all that information down on paper.

Love the binder/notebook advice and I plan to do this very soon. My kids are still in Middle School so not sure too much will be relavent yet...But will keep up on it.

Glad I read this thread...My ds asked about scholarships and how you get them this morning in the car on the way to school. It started a mini-discussion about how expensive college is....How they will get loans for any amount we don't have saved...How a lot will depend on what program they want to be in...How if there isn't a specific program it might be best for them to go to a state school so they don't have a HUGE loan to pay back when they graduate...How they could go to a more expensive school if they want to maybe go to CC for the first 2 years...How they will want to have some community service to put on applications...Whether either of the kids might get a scholarship and how they should keep doing as well as they can in their classes to get the best grades possible.

Not as long a car ride as that list might lead you to believe...But it was just a short summary of those topics and it likely is a good idea for us to have this same conversation here and there over the next years.

In the meantime, we keep putting $$ in the 529's every month and will have the house paid off by the time ds goes into his 2nd year and dd starts her first. So we'll see what our accounts look like at that time and what the kids want to take in college and go from there at that time.

Thanks for the thread!

 

[mjkacmom]

Dd17 has a 4.3 GPA (all honors/AP classes, no study halls, only academic electives), 1950 SAT, NHS, very involved in choirs (in and out of HS) and theater. She can go to community college for free, go to a local state college for almost free if she commutes, received no scholarship from the large in state school she applied to, received a $10,000 per year scholarship from a large out of state college she applied to, and has received scholarships between $15,000 - $23,000 per year from smaller private colleges.

She is deciding between the in-state and out of state (very good business schools) right now - both will cost us about $25,000 per year.

ETA - it seems like schools are giving less scholarship money than when I went to college. We are not eligible for financial aid - yet! That will surely change when the others go to college.

 

[MrsPete]

Yes, that is true! LOL I went to community college, so I am not opposed to it as a philisophical decision, but there are reasons we do not want our son to go that have nothing to do with him...he is not privy to my thoughts on this!

Whether he ends up going to community college or a university, one of the big keys to being happy is having had a choice. As I said earlier, I suspect my youngest may choose to begin at community college, but it won't be for lack of finances.

Agree with this. Also, keep in mind that most states have state universities other than the 'flagship' school, which might be more prone to offering merit aid to a student who is a good, solid student but not at the very top of the class.

In my rather extensive experience (as I said earlier, 23 years teaching high school seniors), parents and students tend to look to schools for scholarships . . . but the vast majority of scholarships come from organizations rather than schools themselves. For example, my college daughter is currently utilizing three scholarships. One is from a small, local business. One is from the state. One is from a national company. NONE were given by her actual university.

I have two kids in college right now. Our plan was to pay off our house right before the oldest started, freeing up the mortgage money (plus what we were adding to it) for tuition.

I know LOTS of people who seem to pay off their house just about the time their kids start college, and they're using the same plan: Keep paying the mortgage money, but pay it to the college instead. It's sensible.

We have another plan as well: We have been maxing out our 401K plan AND saving and investing in other ways since our very first professional paychecks way back when (we're not high earners, but we made this a priority). Because we are well ahead of the curve for our retirement saving, our back-up plan is to reduce or stop adding to our retirement savings for a couple years, if necessary. This will give us an "instant raise", but do note that it's only possible because we started saving heavily when we were in our early 20s.

ETA - it seems like schools are giving less scholarship money than when I went to college. We are not eligible for financial aid - yet! That will surely change when the others go to college.

Yeah, FAFSA hasn't been mentioned much yet. I'd say any parents of a first-time college student should take the time to do the forms and SEE what happens. Once you've done that, you'll know whether it's worth your time next year.

Also, you mentioned that colleges seem to be giving fewer big-money scholarships (I didn't manage to cut and paste that). In my experience, you're right. When I was in school, colleges gave a handful of free-rides to the tip-top students. These days they seem to give the same amount of money, but instead of dividing it out to perhaps five students, they make it tuition-only and give it to twenty students. Because more students are attending college, it's still only going to the tip-top students, but they seem to have realized that it's smarter to give a smaller amount to a larger number of students. And it does make sense; if I were giving out money for a school, I would want to allot it in such a way as to attract a larger number of well-qualified candidates.

 

[imsayin]

A lot depends on the schools your DS is considering. We have known great student-athletes who have been offered athletic scholarships at Division 2 or 3 schools, but not at the top tier schools that their academics support and the schools they are interested in.

Division 3 schools are not allowed to offer athletic scholarships.

Even the very top students rarely get academic scholarships which amount to much

I disagree with this. My oldest started college last year. She was a top student. She had a full-ride scholarship offer (tuition, room/board) from one school and several other generous scholarship offers.

You can increase you chances at scholarship money by going to a school that is not prestigious. If the school's average ACT is 21-25 and you scored 30, you are more likely to get scholarship money (if they offer it). Research on school's websites to see what type of scholarships they offer (some schools are more secretive about their scholarships).

Take the hardest classes possible and do well in them, get involved in extracurriculars, especially leadership positions. Take the ACT/SAT sophomore year to see where you stand and determine your preparation plan to do better! Take the PSAT junior year, if you do well, it could result in scholarship opportunities.

 

[TLuvsD]

There is a lot of good advice already mentioned. One thing I would add is to take both the PSAT and the EXPLORE (pre-ACT). Our D did VERY well on the SAT (Commended, etc). But her ACT scores were higher with no prep. Take the optional essay of either test, some colleges require it, so just do it.

There is a thread on College Confidential for guaranteed merit scholarships, and one for competitive merit scholarships. Read those threads, see if any of those schools appeal to your student.

Stay in Scouts if you are involved. That Eagle or Gold Award (Girl Scouts) is a huge leadership project that schools really like.

If he (or someone else's D) is considering a military career--get that Eagle Award or Gold Award. It equals a step up in rank. That's a big deal.

Try not to fall in love with a specific school, there are many great schools out there...I know this is harder said than done, but it can make it a lot easier.

Your initial college visits can just be to "types" of schools: large, small, private, public. Then visit specific colleges your student may be interested in attending. When determining costs, don't forget graduation rate--some students in some state schools are having a hard time graduating in four years. That fifth year adds a lot of costs.

Some advice worth repeating; Keep the grades up, take a challenging course load, that notebook with community service, leadership, etc is worth it's weight in gold.

Good luck, it's fun and frightening all at the same time.

 

[JillyBean1899]

Oh yeah, another plus to a community college for the first two years ... smaller class sizes. My psychology class had 27 people in it ... the same one at a 4 year school has about 300.

 

[Kriii]

My child is a freshman at a private college and so my experience is somewhat recent. A few things I learned: Don't be afraid to consider a private college, despite the cost. I never considered even looking at one until the high school guidance counselor suggested a few. With scholarships, the cost is about the same as attending the state schools we looked at. This is absolutely not a knock on community colleges or state schools though. It sounds as if you will be able to contribute the EFC, but you are smart to be thrifty with number one because who knows what things will be like when the youngest attends school. If you are looking for large scholarships, look at schools where your child has stats well above the average accepted student. There are so many excellent schools that are not ranked in the top 50 or so. Also look at at schools where your child will be desired for some other reason (eg majoring in a program that the school is trying to develop or coming from an area of the country that is not well represented at the school). My average stats child benefited as an applicant from out of state, when the majority of kids come from the surrounding area. Ask your college about their policy on community college credits. My child is taking community college credits this summer that will transfer to her private out of state college. I helps keep her on track for graduation! Finally, give as much thought to the affordable safety as you give to the dream school. It's a real relief to know your child has an affordable safety that he will like attending. Finally a final thought: Nothing wrong with encouraging your son to shoot for the stars. Just be honest about what your can afford with him in advance to avoid any disappointment.
You are so smart to save and think ahead! Very best of luck! Edited to add: We found that the money spent on ACT/SAT test prep VERY worth it.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Haha...wow.

1. I'll have to check on the West Point/Military post-graduation obligation - we just looked into this a month ago and West Point's website said 5 years. Maybe I misread.

2. My uncle is a Captain in the Navy, with 30 years of service. DS talked to him and got a much different picture of what Military life is like than it sounds like for you and your partner. My other uncle served about 10 years in the Marines and got out. He offers a much different view of Military life than uncle #1. My younger kids' afterschool babysitters husband was wounded in Afghanastan and is now disabled, and offers another perspective on military life. It seems to be very individualized. I have my own issued with it, but if DS decides that is the direction he wants to take, I will not try to dissuade him. I am not trying to persuade him either, but even if he decides not to pursue it, it's not a bad high school path to stay on...at the very least, he will be preparing himself at a high level.

3. I will not get into my son's talents or passions with his sport of choice here because you will never see him play and do not know what he is capable of. While I do not think that, statistically speaking, he WILL get a football scholarship, I absolutely will NOT crush his dreams and tell him that is is "not happening" like you state. We know anything, good or bad, can happen at any moment, so of course we are not counting on it as the sole way (or any way, really) to pay for college, but geesh! That was kind of harsh.

3. We are not ONLY JUST beginning to think about paying for college - we have a college fund, but three kids to put through, and are looking for advice as to how to maximize any type of financial aid by making sure we do everything we can NOW instead of waiting until halfway through high school. Honestly, based on everyone else's responses, it seems like we are on the right track.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Just wanted to give you a little information on the football scholarship stuff. My husband has been a rec league football coach for years and has also coached at the high school level. He has kept track of his most outstanding players and knows all their scholarship stories. Football scholarships really vary depending on what division the college is in. Division 1 A and AA scholarships are very hard to get. Only the elite athletes earn these. Smaller division 2 or 3 schools often have money available - not in athletic scholarships but in grants, and academic scholarships given to athletes. For these Div 3 schools it is important that the athlete also be a strong student.

As for getting noticed by college scouts there are two things to do.
1) Around here players pay to participate in Rivals Camps at various universities during the summers between Soph & Junior year and Junior & Senior year. Parents have to pay for these camps. One of my best friends took her son to 7 (yes seven!) of these camps all over the east coast this past summer. This Fall her son made several official and unofficial visits to the colleges that were interested in him. Before each visit he was told he'd be getting an offer, but the offers never came. The family was starting to feel jerked around when finally, about a month ago he signed papers for a full ride to Old Dominion University - a Division 1 AA school.
2) The player's coach has to sell him. Basically the coach calls the college coaches, sends them highlight reels of the player, arranges scouting, etc. Really good coaches can place most great players, who want to continue playing, on a college team. It may be a division 3 team, and there may or may not be money involved.

Hope this info helps on the football front.

 

[SEA333]

Dd17 has a 4.3 GPA (all honors/AP classes, no study halls, only academic electives), 1950 SAT, NHS, very involved in choirs (in and out of HS) and theater. She can go to community college for free, go to a local state college for almost free if she commutes, received no scholarship from the large in state school she applied to, received a $10,000 per year scholarship from a large out of state college she applied to, and has received scholarships between $15,000 - $23,000 per year from smaller private colleges.

She is deciding between the in-state and out of state (very good business schools) right now - both will cost us about $25,000 per year.

ETA - it seems like schools are giving less scholarship money than when I went to college. We are not eligible for financial aid - yet! That will surely change when the others go to college.

Thanks! We certainly would not pass up a full scholarship to any school if offered, even if it was not DS's first choice. He *is* still only 13, so his choices will surely change in the next 4 years (although I think UM will still always be his #1). Most of his life, he wanted to be a meteorologist and work for the NWS, then of course he wanted to be the starting linebacker for the Chicago Bears (most every little boy has a similar dream at some point LOL), and now he is interested in other things, mostly in the math and science areas. So many things can change we have no idea where this will all lead, but I at least want to make sure I am as prepared as possible!

 

[SEA333]

Just wanted to give you a little information on the football scholarship stuff. My husband has been a rec league football coach for years and has also coached at the high school level. He has kept track of his most outstanding players and knows all their scholarship stories. Football scholarships really vary depending on what division the college is in. Division 1 A and AA scholarships are very hard to get. Only the elite athletes earn these. Smaller division 2 or 3 schools often have money available - not in athletic scholarships but in grants, and academic scholarships given to athletes. For these Div 3 schools it is important that the athlete also be a strong student.

As for getting noticed by college scouts there are two things to do.
1) Around here players pay to participate in Rivals Camps at various universities during the summers between Soph & Junior year and Junior & Senior year. Parents have to pay for these camps. One of my best friends took her son to 7 (yes seven!) of these camps all over the east coast this past summer. This Fall her son made several official and unofficial visits to the colleges that were interested in him. Before each visit he was told he'd be getting an offer, but the offers never came. The family was starting to feel jerked around when finally, about a month ago he signed papers for a full ride to Old Dominion University - a Division 1 AA school.
2) The player's coach has to sell him. Basically the coach calls the college coaches, sends them highlight reels of the player, arranges scouting, etc. Really good coaches can place most great players, who want to continue playing, on a college team. It may be a division 3 team, and there may or may not be money involved.

Hope this info helps on the football front.

Wow - thanks! Very interesting! DH has also been a club league coach for several years and both boys have played since they were tiny. As you know, it is a huge commitment and we are at the field 5 months of the year LOL and offsite training the rest. (DD also cheers for the same club league)

Ours is a feeder league for our sister high school (our own high school/town doesn't have their own feeder league), but our HS head coach is very involved with our league and the players - he has been watching our son for a couple years now and knows him already (DS plays defensive/offensive end). Not that means anything as far as college or anything, but there is at least a relationship there. We have had a LOT of kids from our club go on to play at the college level, and three of them have recently (in the past 5 years) have signed with NFL teams. I know this because our league keeps a running log of these kids on our club website.

When you talk about college rival camps, what do you exactly mean? DS has gone every summer to the Wolverine Technique Youth Camp at University of Michigan, and this is the first year he will be at the high school camp instead of the youth....it is a week-long overnight camp for high school football players (not affiliated in any way with DS's actual high school or team..this is extra). Would this be what you are talking about, or are there other camps as well? From my research, this is the only camp UM offers, but there may be more that are not advertised to the public? Invite only?

Again, to be VERY clear to everyone, I am not having "pipe dreams" that this would ever happen with DS, but we will certainly never stop encouraging him to do his best if this is what he would like to pursue. I think he would be perfectly happy playing football at ANY college, not just Div 1 schools, if they so happened to allow him. He just loves the game. If he wanted to stop playing tomorrow, we would be sad, but understand that it is HIS decision - we have never pushed them to do any one specific thing...only pushed them to do whatever they CHOSE to do, the very best they could.

 

[tiggerluver12]

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